Leaving the security of a full time job to go out on your own can be nerve-wracking. It can also provide the perfect situation to obtain your first paying client. Provided you leave a former employer on good terms, negotiating a deal for consulting work is often lucrative for everyone.
Employers like the idea because it extends their access to you. In return, you get several months worth of paying work, and an instant referral to begin building your portfolio.
Ready to get started? Read these tips on how to convince an employer to re-hire you as a consultant.
1. Be Honest about Your Plans to Leave Your Full-time Job
When it comes time to quit your full-time job and head out on your own, be upfront about your plans. Explain your professional goals to your boss and how going out on your own will help you meet those objectives. Let the boss know exactly when you plan to leave, and offer to continue contributing to the company on a temporary basis, as a way to help fill the void while the company searches for your replacement. Of course, don’t hide the fact that such an arrangement will also help jump-start your consulting career!2. Educate Former Employers
Hone your pitching skills by selling your old boss on the advantages of hiring you again. The best way to accomplish this is by educating her on the benefits - specifically how it will make her job easier. Be sure to mention advantages such as: no down-time while searching for and training a new employee; reduced costs (no longer paying a salary or benefits); and increased productivity (working on a single project, it’s going to be done faster).3. Pick the Right Project
There is probably no shortage of the number of consulting projects you could take on for your previous employer. But picking the most appropriate one is critical. Select projects that:- can be completed within a six to nine week time frame
- highlight your expertise
- represent the type of future projects you want to do for other customers
- can be completed remotely (outside of the office)